“I’ve known Michael Eller for 16 years – as a teacher at Mystery School, as a lineage bearer, as a ritualist, a photographer, a speaker of deep truth, an invitation into the sacred world of nature…. as a spiritual friend. Defining Michael’s body of work involves pointing to it rather than attempting to define it; for that body of work is not stagnant. It is not a “thing”. It is emergent. With each year, the well is deeper, the interior river of wisdom wider, the tenderness more expressive in action instead of word.
Michael weaves the initiations of his life into an experiential journey now offered as a transformative instrument to his students, to those who travel into the wilderness with him, to the youth of the world, to his own son.I’ve experienced Michael creating an open space of deep inquiry for an entire class of students. I’ve experienced him facilitating an exploration into the tantric relationship between self and Self. I’ve seen him establish an environment of safety where individuals dive into and through great fears (emotional, psychological, and physical). I’ve watched him gently guide individuals straight into the heart of complacency, through the fear, into liberation.”
-Deborah Jones, Executive Director of Nine Gates Programs, Inc. and the spiritual leader of the Mystery School
“Michael led me into the wilderness when I had lost my way. There in a pure encounter with nature I came home. His guidance was exquisite, sensitive and utterly supportive. I am truly grateful for this soul journey, it gave me back my life.”
-Patricia Ellsberg, life-long peace and social activist
“There is a moment of silence and anticipation when Michael is first introduced to any group – not that anybody knows what his particular brand of magic is but there is a recognition that something will change, that each of us participating with him will be irrevocably altered by the experience. It is subtle. Change comes in through the back door. As he begins to talk, to move, and to invite each of us into a deeper expression of what is true there is an invisible yet tangible shift in the room – people are more present, more willing to explore the unknown, to face fears and triumphs, to open throats and let sound emerge. In the moment… And that is the gift and genius of Michael – in the moment he meets and greets the stranger, the familiar, the unknown and welcomes it all. Welcomes us all. Michael meets each emerging moment with creativity, improvisation, knowledge, acceptance, and deep respect both as a teacher and as student.”
-Cassie Bull, co‐founder and director of curriculum, Leap Now
“Time with my son: Michael, myself and my 13-year-old son created a rite of passage day last April. Michael was brilliant with my son. He’s patient, focused, supportive, wise, and funny. This was such an easy thing to do with my son and that Saturday will be remembered beyond most other Saturdays. So many of my values (Michael asked me privately about the values I most wanted for my son) got conveyed to my son, but much more powerfully than if I had just said them. I am very grateful and hope that many others are able to offer this gift to their child. Your child will get your love for them way beyond what they could likely receive from any material gift.”
-Spencer D Sherman, MBA, CFP®
CEO, Abacus Wealth Partners
Author of “The Cure for Money Madness” (Random House)
“How do you feel safe enough, free enough and brave enough to be really curious about the deepest possibility of the souls exploration. I think you need a companion who is honest and wise; whose heart knows how to soar and feet know the territory with intimacy and confidence. Michael Eller is that kind of companion. I traveled gladly with him on the most spiritual adventure.”
-Sherry Ruth Anderson, author and speaker, “The Feminine Face of God” and most recently, ”Ripening Time: Inside Stories for Aging with Grace”
“To go on a wilderness “walkabout” with Michael Eller is to experience nature through a filter our “civilized selves rarely, if ever, see. I was one of those skeptics who thought new age, reactionary men’s groups who beat on drums and sat in circles were shy more than a few talking sticks. What transformed in me during my time with Michael was nothing short of miraculous. I had never gone into nature just for the experience. I had always gone with a gun or fishing pole to accomplish some purpose. Because of Michael and his wilderness knowing, this experience was far different. This was the learning of a lost knowledge. I listened, I quieted, I was just there…losing my skepticism.”
-Ed O’Connell, business and civic leader
“Michael Eller was the perfect officient for our wedding. I had
experienced his ability to read and focus a group through previous
work experientials – for our wedding he was able to really keep us in
the moment – focus us and everyone there on really feeling the
transition to married. His ability to deeply listen to us in our
meetings beforehand helped make our ceremony feel ever so personal. Thanks
Michael!”
-Jenny Anne Mathews Nolan, research and conference coordinator, Institute of Noetic Sciences
“Over the years, I have known you as a friend and guide for our family trip into the Sierras, our father and sons journey into Big Sur and for our one on one time in ceremony. The communication and connection that developed for our family in that week is still serving us 6 years later. The impact of seeing fathers and sons communicating and working out problems as equals was truly transformational for all. The results and rewards from our many times together have always been different and more meaningful than I ever expected.”
-Sal Bonavita, coffee industry legend and enlightened businessman
“Michael’s skill and gentleness generate love and confidence. His refined skill at creating sacred space and ceremony has been an integral part of our school for over 20 years. Add to this his reverence and sense of beauty and you have a genuine artist and spiritual teacher.”
-Gay Luce, creator and founder of the Nine Gates Mystery School
“My Death Valley experience: First, I loved the experience. Second, I loved it because Michael was so dedicated, skilled and committed to my inner transformation. This is must do in your life, at least once. He has so much experience on how to best prepare you so that your solo time in the wilderness is one of the richest experiences possible. I didn’t have to deal with any logistics and I felt safe knowing that Michael was in the vicinity. It’s the best possible situation; you get to access the wilderness on your own without any worries. This allowed me to access so much joy and many profound insights.”
-Spencer D Sherman, MBA, CFP®
CEO, Abacus Wealth Partners
Author of “The Cure for Money Madness” (Random House)